New Small Tour Silver classes at the Winter Championships

British Dressage is delighted to announce the introduction of two new classes for the Winter Regional championship series qualifying through to the NAF Five Star Winter Championships at Hartpury, from 19 – 23 April 2023.

With the Winter Regional Championships due to commence on 18 January, we’re pleased to unveil our plans to introduce two brand new championship titles for Silver riders competing at Prix St Georges and Intermediate I level next year.

The Magic Prix St Georges Silver and Superflex Intermediate I titles will offer an opportunity for those small tour Silver riders to experience a fantastic winter series and potentially qualify for the biggest championship event in the BD calendar, supported by title sponsors NAF.

How it will work

In line with the 2023 BD Members’ Handbook, which will be published next week, please refer to the criteria below for the eligibility to downgrade and compete in each of these classes at Regionals.

Magic Prix St Georges Silver

To qualify for a Winter Regional, eligible combinations must earn six points all from qualifiers with a minimum 64% (achieved in the Gold section in the 2022 winter season). There will be no direct qualification in the Silver section.

Combinations must be eligible for the Silver section, as per the eligibility tables in the 2022 Members’ Handbook. Those wishing to switch to the Silver Regional Championship using Gold qualifying results will have until 31 December 2022 to ‘downgrade’ their sections from Gold to Silver. Scores from any qualifying competitions, from 1 July 2022 onwards, can be used towards qualification. Please contact our Championship Officer, Charlene Bryant, to make the necessary changes.

Qualification from Regionals to Winter Championships will be based on ratios, with a minimum score of 65%.

Superflex Silver Intermediate I Silver

To qualify for a Winter Regional, eligible combinations must earn six points all from qualifiers with a minimum of 64% (achieved in the Gold section in the 2022 winter season). There will be no direct qualification in the Silver section.

Combinations must be eligible for the Silver section, as per the eligibility tables in the 2022 Members’ Handbook. Those wishing to switch to the Silver Regional Championship using Gold qualifying results will have until 31 December 2022 to ‘downgrade’ their sections from Gold to Silver. Scores from any qualifying competitions, from 1 July 2022 onwards, can be used towards qualification. Please contact our Championship Officer, Charlene Bryant, to make the necessary changes.

Qualification from Regionals to Winter Championships will be based on ratios, with a minimum score of 65%.

BD Sport Operations Manager Lou Jones commented; “We’re delighted to offer this additional annual qualification opportunity for riders at Prix St Georges and Inter I, providing a great chance to compete at the flagship fixture of our winter season. To ride at the NAF Five Star Winter Championships is a wonderful achievement for any competitor and this will open more doors for Silver riders to showcase their talent at our biggest single championship event.”